Answer mike's Question

They would.... until the strap going under the sole broke, which in my experience wouldn't take too long. Mountain Hardware makes a strapless gaiter that would work better. If you are hiking in "low top" shoes, Dirty Girls (www.dirtygirlgaiters.com - shown in picture) makes a nice simple gaiter that keeps the scree and pebbles out. The DG gaiter attaches to the back of the shoe/boot with velcro - which is supplied that you apply - so you can use it with higher top boots by proper placement of the velcro. Picture below is the DG on a running shoe (I have no association with DG!)